Marske United manager Charlie Bell believes that his side are the underdogs in today's all Northern League FA Vase quarter-final against Bedlington Terriers.

Marske are complete newcomers to this stage, having already surpassed their previous best in the competition three months ago, and Bell believes that his players will have to draw on all their character to reach Monday's semi-final draw.

"Bedlington are the favourites, because they've got the pedigree with everything they've achieved," he said.

"They've done well in the competition before and they've won the league.

"But it's a one-off game, and you don't know your luck in these sort of games.

"We've got to play well, and battle all the way through the team. We must make the most of their weaknesses.

"We knew when the draw was made that it was going to be tough, no matter who we played.

"We got a home draw, which is what we asked for, so we must make the most of it."

Striker Darren Sankey is a big doubt, along with midfielder Dave Markham, while Neil Hodgson and John Mohun will also have fitness tests.

Bedlington, meanwhile, will probably be at full strength, which means a return to the starting line-up for prolific scorer John Milner.

Joint manager Tony Lowery said: "We beat them in the league a fortnight ago, but we're not reading too much into that. It will be a different situation altogether today.

"Marske will be really fired up on their own pitch, which will make it more of an even game.

"It is a one-off situation. Their ground is small, and it will be full, just like a local derby.

A big crowd of well over 1,000 is expected at Mount Pleasant.

l In the Wearside League, North Shields have the opportunity to move back into second position, but they face a stern test against fourth-placed Harton and Westoe - the league's leading scorers.

The Robins have hit just four goals fewer than Harton's total of 79 and an open, end-to-end game is in prospect.

Regular marksman Michael Meek and Jonathan Wightman, who had to be substituted last Saturday when he picked up an ankle injury, are both expected to resume but Harton have a doubt surrounding centre-back Andy Blower. He is struggling with a calf injury.

North Shields will move above Wolviston if they gain just one point but they will be going flat out for all three in a bid to close the gap on leaders Nissan to only four points.

However, captain Anthony Robson is still suspended.

Ferryhill Athletic, who still have 17 league fixtures to play, host Redcar Town with midfielder Andrew Davis and striker Peter Robson available to manager Jimmy O'Sullivan, who continues in his attempts to strengthen the squad.

Annfield Plain travel to Whitehaven expecting to be without goalkeeper Andrew Annan. Anthony Dawe stands by to deputise.

Birtley Town manager Gordon Green was extremely happy with his side's performance last weekend after being unable to field a team a fortnight ago.

"We were well worth our win over Ryhope CW and if we play as well today I feel we can also beat Stanley United," enthused Green.

Stanley United have four players returning with Andy Colling, Greg Chapman, Shaun Little and Gareth Jackson all coming into contention but manager Vince Kirkup will miss Thomas Bushby, Shaun Gregory and Alan Lamb